Magnification setting apparatus for image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

When zoom keys for changing a magnification by a predetermined unit each time, not only setting of a fixed magnification is bothersome, but also setting a magnification in the vicinity of the fixed magnification is very troublesome. A zoom up key and a zoom down key for changing a magnification by a predetermined unit, e.g., 1%, each time to set to a desired magnification are provided. By operating either one of the keys, a set magnification is zoomed up or down, while displaying that condition in an LCD display which serves as a display portion. While the set magnification shifts, when the set magnification becomes a fixed magnification or a magnification close to the same, a sub message as well is displayed which indicates an optimal combination of original and paper sizes with which processing at that fixed magnification is possible. Referring to the displayed sub message, the desired magnification is set by operating the zoom up key or the zoom down key.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to setting of an optional magnification ofimage formation in an image forming process which is performed by animage forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In an image forming apparatus, especially in a copying machine, a laserprinter and the like which utilize electrophotographic method, aphotosensitive material which is a recording medium is uniformlyelectrified so that after uniform electrification, reflected light froman original or laser light which is driven in accordance with imageinformation irradiates and forms an electrostatic image corresponding tothe image on a surface of the photosensitive material, and a developingagent is used to develop the electrostatic image and obtain a visibleimage. The developed image is transferred onto a sheet of paper which istransported appropriately and the sheet of paper is fed into a fixingapparatus so that a toner image transferred onto the sheet of paper isfixed as a permanent image and thereafter outputted outside.

After electrifying the photosensitive material to a predeterminedpolarity, an image is exposed on the surface of the photosensitivematerial at an optional magnification which is preliminarily set. Thatis, where the magnification is equivalent, the image as it is exposed,i.e., exposure is performed under a condition of 1:1, whereas for imagereduction, an optical image having the size less than 1 against theimage having the size 1 is exposed and focused.

For example, in a copying machine, a reflected optical image from anoriginal is focused, as it is reduced or enlarged, on a photosensitivematerial through an imaging lens or the like. Meanwhile, in a digitalimage forming apparatus such as a laser printer, the size of a laserbeam is not controlled in accordance with a ratio of enlargement.Rather, the number of pixels of an image is controlled. For instance,the number of pixels is reduced in accordance with the magnification ofreduction of the image, and the number of pixels is increased forenlargement of the image.

Conventionally, in the case where the size of an original and the sizeof a paper to be used are fixed sizes, it is possible to form an imagein accordance with a preset magnification. For example, where theoriginal sizes are A3, A4, B4 and B5 of the Japanese IndustrialStandards and the paper sizes are A4, A5, B4 and B5, the image isexposed on a surface of a photosensitive material at a magnification of1.22× (122%) when the original size is A4 and the paper size of a paperon which an image is to be formed is B4, and the image is exposed on thesurface of the photosensitive material at a magnification of 0.86× (86%)when the paper size is B5.

In the case where the original size is B4 and the paper size of a paperto be used is A4 or B5, the image is exposed at a magnification of 0.81×(81%) or 0.70× (70%). In the case where the original size is B5 and thepaper size of a paper to be used is A4 or B4, the image is exposed at amagnification of 1.15× (115%) or 1.41× (141%).

As described above, when an original of a fixed size and a paper of afixed size are used, image exposure is performed at a predeterminedmagnification so that all images contained in the original are formed onthe paper. Such a predetermined magnification is called a fixedmagnification. To prefer an image at a fixed magnification, a settingkey for selecting only the fixed magnification (i.e., a fixedmagnification key) is provided. With respect to a fixed magnificationkey, there are several cases such as a case where fixed magnificationkeys as many as magnifications described above are provided, a casewhere with only one setting key, one can set a fixed magnificationcyclically in an order of 70%→81%→86%→(100%; sometimesomitted)→115%→122%→141%→70%, a case where one setting key is provided toset a fixed magnification in a direction for enlargement (70%→81% . . .141%) and another setting key is provided to set a fixed magnificationin a direction for reduction (141%→122% . . . 70%).

Separately from this, a zoom key or the like is provided with which itis possible to change a magnification by 1%. In short, this key is usedto set an optional magnification which is preferred by a user, not toset fixed magnifications described above. For instance, when theoriginal size is A4 and the paper size of a paper on which an image isto be formed is B5, while there is no problem for forming an image at afixed magnification of 86%, the zoom key is used to form an image at alittle smaller magnification (e.g., 83%).

In a conventional magnification setting apparatus described above, thereare a key for setting a fixed magnification and a zoom key for freelysetting an optional magnification. Therefore, by manipulating thesekeys, an image can be formed at a desired magnification.

However, during setting of a magnification described above, although askilled operator is capable of easily manipulating, an unskilledoperator can not very often understand at all what a fixed magnificationis. That is, even though an unskilled operator can understand that theoriginal size is B4, he can not understand at all whether to set amagnification by manipulating a fixed magnification key or bymanipulating a zoom key for the purpose of form an image on an A4 paper.In addition, where a fixed magnification is to be set by means of a zoomkey, an unskilled operator does not know the fixed magnification to beset, often ending up in setting a wrong magnification. To avoid this, anunskilled operator must to refer to a comparison chart while setting amagnification, which is very bothersome.

Further, provision of a fixed magnification key and a zoom keyseparately from each other as described above simply increases thenumber of setting keys to be used by an operator so that it is very hardfor the operator to understand which key to manipulate to easily set adesired magnification, which forces the operator a bothersome operation.In addition, since the operator must set a magnification while lookingat the comparison chart described above, without the comparison chart,the operator may rely on his own intuition when setting a wrongmagnification and end up in making an undesired copy.

Except for a fixed magnification key and a zoom key, as described inJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open Gazette No. 4-3547, often-usedmagnifications may be stored in advance and setting keys for settingsuch magnifications may be provided separately from zoom key and thefixed magnification key. Where such setting keys are provided, themagnifications which are very often used can be set by an easymanipulation. However, a user must store such magnifications in advance,and therefore, an inexperienced user feels awkward toward the increasednumber of the setting keys and finds setting of a magnification verypressurizing.

To deal with this, for the purpose of setting fixed magnifications,setting keys may be provided for the respective fixed magnifications asdescribed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Gazette No. 4-3547,and printing may be realized on fixed sizes which correspond to therespective setting keys. For instance, for a fixed magnification keychoosing 70%, an optimal paper size is displayed which is optimum forforming an image which corresponds to the original size, such as B4→B5,A3→A4.

However, in the case where there are a number of keys, such as keyscorresponding to respective fixed magnification keys, a zoom key, and aspecial fixed magnification key as described above, provided forproviding such a display described above, due to a restriction to aspace on an operation panel for providing a number of keys, printing ordisplaying with very small letters can not avoided in reality. Such adisplay is very hard to look at, making reference to the display veryrare. Further, when combinations of optimal conditions for all originalsand all paper sizes corresponding to respective fixed magnifications aredisplayed, together with a problem that a small display is forced asdescribed above, searching of a proper condition requires a bothersomeoperation. In addition, arrangement of a number of keys, such as a zoomkey, fixed magnification keys and magnification memory keys foroften-used magnifications, on an operation gives a stronger impressionto a user, and the user tends to feel that an operation is bothersome.

Further, in the case where a fixed magnification is to be or amagnification which is close to the fixed magnification is to be set bymeans of a zoom key, although an operator is very familiar with the verymagnification as described above, when the operator is inexperienced,the operator can not easily understand a magnification to be set andsetting is very difficult for the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve the problems described above, a first object of the inventionis to simplify an operation for setting a magnification. A furtherobject of the invention is to provide for a magnification settingapparatus which allows setting of not only a fixed magnification butalso an optional magnification by means of a key for setting amagnification.

In particular, an object of the invention is to improve the operabilityof a zoom key so that when the zoom key is used to set a magnification,use of the zoom key makes it easy to set a fixed magnification and anoptional magnification.

To achieve the objects, the invention provides a magnification settingapparatus for use in an image forming apparatus in which a plurality offixed magnifications at which a plurality of predetermined image sizesare enlarged or reduced into a plurality of sizes of recording mediumsare predetermined and which forms an image on a recording medium at thepredetermined magnifications, the magnification setting apparatuscomprising: a zoom key for setting a magnification by shifting by apredetermined unit; a magnification counter for serially counting themagnification in accordance with an operation of the zoom key; a displayportion for displaying a count content of the magnification counter;judging means for judging whether the count content of the magnificationcounter corresponds to a predetermined fixed magnification; and displaycontrol means for displaying, together with the magnification, a submessage which indicates combinations of paper sizes and the like whichcorrespond to the fixed magnification, when the judging means judgesthat the magnification shown by the magnification counter corresponds toone fixed magnification.

Particularly when the judging means is structured to judge a time whenthe content of the magnification counter reaches a value which is closeto one fixed magnification, while the magnification is shifted by thepredetermined unit, e.g., 1% at a time by means of the zoom key, whenthe content becomes close to one fixed magnification, a sub message isdisplayed which indicates a combination of a paper size and the likewhich are specified corresponding to the fixed magnification. Referringto this display, an operator easily confirms the fixed magnification atwhich an image can be formed in a predetermined paper size, whichsimplifies the operation for setting the magnification which is oneobject. That is, setting of a fixed magnification is made easy evenwhile the zoom key is operated. The object to make setting of a fixedmagnification easy is also achieved, with respect to setting of anoptional magnification.

Alternatively, in order to achieve the objects, the invention provides amagnification setting apparatus of an image forming apparatus in which aplurality of fixed magnifications at which a plurality of predeterminedimage sizes are enlarged or reduced into a plurality of sizes ofrecording mediums are predetermined and which forms an image on arecording medium at the predetermined magnifications, the magnificationsetting apparatus comprising: a zoom key for setting a magnification byshifting by a predetermined unit; a magnification counter for seriallycounting the magnification in accordance with an operation of the zoomkey; a display portion for displaying a count content of themagnification counter; and display control means for displaying submessages which indicates combinations of fixed magnifications and papersizes or the like corresponding to the fixed magnifications at oncetogether with the magnification, when the zoom key is operated.

In this case, the display control means judges in which one of amagnification zooming up direction and a magnification zooming downdirection the zoom key is operated, selects from various predeterminedfixed magnifications in the zooming up direction or the zooming downdirection, and displays altogether. Since sub messages indicating thevarious fixed magnifications and the corresponding specified paper sizesare displayed at once, an operator can even surely recognize a fixedmagnification which corresponds to a desired paper size, whereby theobject of simplify an operation for setting a magnification is achieved.

After the display control means confirms that the magnification which isset by operating the zoom key exceeds a fixed magnification, by deletinga display of the exceeded fixed magnification, it is possible to evenmore surely and easily recognize a desired magnification as theunnecessary display is deleted. Alternatively, by displaying fixedmagnifications to which a magnification set by operating the zoom keywill be sequentially set and the remaining other fixed magnificationsdistinguishably from each other, relationship between the fixedmagnifications and the set magnification which is shifting can be moreeasily understood, thereby making it possible to set the desiredmagnification surely and easily.

Now, it is possible to easily set fixed magnifications and an optionalmagnification which is close to the fixed magnifications by controllingto elongate a count cycle when the magnification counter arrives at afixed magnification or at a magnification close thereto by operating thezoom key. Particularly when a change in a magnification is slowed down,it is possible to shift a set magnification to a desired magnificationwithout fail, thereby reducing a failure to set a magnification as muchas possible without a trouble.

Further, image size setting means for setting an image size of papersize selection means for selecting a paper size may be disposed, thedisplay control means displays a sub message which indicatescombinations of image sizes which are set in accordance with a fixedmagnification with paper sizes which are specified to the image sizes ora sub message which indicates a combination of a selected paper sizewith an image size which is specified in accordance with the selectedpaper size, in a narrowed-down form. Since this reduces the content ofthe sub message, this encourages the effect that a desired magnificationis easily recognized for sure.

Lastly, in order to achieve the object of even more easily setting afixed magnification by means of a zoom key, the invention provides amagnification setting apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus inwhich a plurality of fixed magnifications at which a plurality ofpredetermined image sizes are enlarged or reduced into a plurality ofsizes of recording mediums are set and which forms an image on arecording medium at the set magnifications, the magnification settingapparatus comprising: a zoom key for setting a magnification by shiftingby a predetermined unit; a magnification counter for serially countingthe magnification in accordance with an operation of the zoom key; adisplay portion for displaying a count content of the magnificationcounter; judging means for judging whether the count content of themagnification counter corresponds to a predetermined fixedmagnification; and display control means for displaying a sub messagewhich indicates combinations of paper sizes and the like correspondingto the fixed magnification, together with the magnification in thedisplay portion and as well for returning contents of display to onesfor a precedent fixed magnification upon release of an operation of thezoom key within a predetermined period since arrival of the setmagnification at the fixed magnification, when the judging means judgesthat the content of the set magnification shown by the magnificationcounter corresponds to a fixed magnification.

When the zoom key is operated and a magnification is successivelyshifted by the predetermined unit, the display control means returns toan immediately precedent fixed magnification. When the magnification isintermittently shifted by the predetermined unit by means of the zoomkey, the display control means maintains the condition of the setmagnification without returning to a fixed magnification. Hence, forsetting a fixed magnification, even when a set magnification is shiftedand passes the fixed magnification through an operation of the zoom key,by releasing the operation of the zoom key within the predeterminedperiod, the display control means displays the immediately precedentfixed magnification again. Further, when a magnification which is closeto the fixed magnification is to be set, such a magnification is easilyset by intermittently operating the zoom key. In this case, it is moreeffective to define the predetermined period as a range for judgment inthe vicinity of a fixed magnification, by means of the judging meansdescribed above.

According to the image forming apparatus of the invention, since onlythe zoom keys are used for setting of a magnification, a trouble ofselecting and operating a number of keys is eliminated, which in turnenables setting of a desired magnification with a simple operation.

In this case, in the vicinity of fixed magnifications, sub messageswhich are optimal original and paper sizes, for instance, are displayedtogether with fixed magnifications. Since this allows to set a desiredmagnification while referring to the displayed sub messages, a failureof setting a magnification or the like is less likely and an operationis simple. That is, where it is impossible to judge whether a desiredmagnification is reached since only a displayed magnification isdisplayed, reference to the sub messages makes it easy to recognize andset the magnification.

Further, since the fixed magnifications and the sub messages aredisplayed all at once along the zoom up or down direction, it is easy torecognize a desired magnification and further simplify setting of thedesired magnification.

At this stage, when the fixed magnifications and the sub messages aredisplayed all at once, in the case that a desired magnification ispassed, the display of the desired magnification is erased oralternatively a desired magnification which will be set next isdisplayed distinctively from other desired magnifications. This makessetting of a magnification easier and more sure.

Further, with respect to setting of a fixed magnification, by returningto an immediately precedent fixed magnification which is passed within apredetermined period of time, it is possible to set a fixedmagnification easily and to set an optional magnification easily andaccurately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the inventionwill be more explicit from the following detailed description taken withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a display according to a firstembodiment of the invention wherein in accordance with a change in amagnification which is set a sub message indicating a combination oforiginal and paper sizes under an optimal condition in the vicinity ofeach fixed magnification;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing one example of an operation panel withwhich a magnification is set according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of a control circuit forsetting of a magnification, including control for forming an image,according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of an innerstructure of a digital copying machine which comprises a magnificationsetting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an essential structure of othercopying machine which comprises the magnification setting apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a relationship between sub messages and fixedmagnifications according to the invention, by means of combinations oforiginal and paper sizes of fixed A- and fixed B-series;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for controlling a change in magnification in azoom up direction by means of an operation of a zoom up key for thepurpose of setting a magnification;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for controlling a change in magnification in azoom down direction by means of an operation of a zoom down key for thepurpose of setting the magnification;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for displaying a set magnification together witha sub message according to the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing examples of display wherein togetherwith a set magnification, an original size and a paper size selectedfrom among paper sizes of papers which are fed are displayed, FIG. 10Ashowing a display form regardless of fixed magnification, FIG. 10Bshowing a display form which includes a sub message for a fixedmagnification;

FIG. 11 is a control flow chart for displaying a sub message togetherwith a set magnification according to a second embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a display form for displaying achange in magnification and a sub message according to the secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a display form for displaying achange in magnification and a sub message according to the secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a display form for displaying achange in magnification and a sub message according to the secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a display wherein an originalsize is set in a display example where a change in magnification and asub message are displayed, for the purpose of describing a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a display wherein a paper size,in particular, is selected in a display example where a change inmagnification and a sub message are displayed, for the purpose ofdescribing the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a display of a sub message whichrelated to a paper size of papers which are feedable, in a displayexample where a change in magnification and a sub message are displayed,for the purpose of describing the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a view showing a condition for changing a cycle at which amagnification is changed when a relationship between the magnificationand a sub message, in particular, is displayed, for the purpose ofdescribing the third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are views for describing the third embodiment of theinvention, FIG. 19A being a flow chart showing controlling in which acycle for changing a magnification is extended longer for a fixedmagnification and a magnification having a high frequency of use when arelationship between the magnification and a sub message is displayed,FIG. 19B being a control flow chart showing an example for setting acondition where the frequency of use is high;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a display of change inmagnification in setting a magnification; and

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of a display of returning to animmediately precedent fixed magnification condition when a fixedmagnification is passed in particular, in a display example where achange in magnification and a sub message are displayed, for the purposeof describing a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the inventionare described below.

FIG. 1 is a view showing original and paper sizes in an optimalcondition in the vicinity of a fixed magnification are displayedtogether with a set magnification as a sub message, in a magnificationsetting apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus according to afirst embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing oneexample of an operation panel with which an operator sets amagnification according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagramshowing a circuitry structure of a control portion of a scan panelportion of FIG. 2, including controlling of an image forming operationin the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showingan outline of an inner structure of a digital copying machine whichcomprises the operation panel of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an essentialcross-sectional view showing one example of a copying machine in otherimage forming apparatus in which an image exposure portion focuses ananalog image, i.e., an original image directly onto a photosensitivematerial which is a recording medium.

Referring to FIG. 4, an image forming apparatus according to theinvention, particularly a digital copying machine, will be describedfirst. In FIG. 4, a copying machine main unit 1 comprises a scannerportion 2, a laser printer portion 3 and a multi-stage paper feed unit4. In accordance with necessity, the apparatus comprises a sorter 5which performs post-processing of recording papers which are dischargedoutside the apparatus, e.g., dividing and sorting of the recordingpapers.

The scanner portion 2 is formed by an original seater 21 of transparentglass, both-surface type automatic original feeder (RDH) 22 and ascanner unit 23. The scanner unit 23 is provided for reading an image ofan original as a digital image, and is formed by an exposure assembly 24for irradiating an original to be read, an optical system 27 consistingof a plurality of mirrors 25 for reflecting reflected light from theoriginal toward a necessary area and an imaging lens 26, and a CCD 28which serves as an imaging element onto which the reflected light fromthe original is focused by the optical system 27 and which performsphotoelectric conversion.

The RDH 22 comprises an original seating portion (original tray, notshown) on which a plurality of originals can be set at the same time,and feeds the originals seated on the original seating portion one byone to a reading position. At this stage, a front surface and a backsurface of an original which is fed in accordance with necessity isconveyed to the reading position, so that these surfaces are readsequentially. The reading position is set on the same horizontal planewith the original seater 21. A transparent glass plate for reading animage is disposed at the reading position.

The exposure assembly 24, the optical system 27 and the CCD 28 aresupported on the same support member 29 which is driven to move parallelto a bottom surface of the original seater 21 at a predetermined speed.As a result, an image of an original which is mounted on the originalseater 21 is focused on the CCD 28, whereby images are sequentiallyread. The support member 29 moves to an original reading position of theRDH 22, stops at that position, and focuses an image of a receivedoriginal on the CCD 28 through the optical system 27 so that images oforiginals which are fed are sequentially read. Hence, depending onwhether an original is mounted on the original seater 21 or on the RDH22, the support member 29 is allowed to move along the original seater21 under control or the support member 29 is moved to and stopped at theoriginal. The exposure assembly 24, the optical system 27 and the CCD 28are supported on the same support member 29 which is driven to moveparallel to a bottom surface of the original seater 21 at apredetermined speed. In other words, by selecting one of a mode forforming an image of an original mounted on the original seater 21 and amode for forming an image or an original utilizing the RDH 22, theoptical system 27 is allowed to scan along the original seater 21 or theoptical system 27 is moved to and stopped at the original is controlled.

In a known image processing apparatus not shown, read image data whichare obtained after an image of an original is read by the CCD 28 areprocessed into such a condition so as to be formed and output as animage on a paper by the printer portion 3, and stored once.

The printer portion 3 described above comprises, as principal elements,a laser writing unit 31 which receives the image information which isprocessed in the image processing apparatus and which is driven undercontrol in accordance with the image information, an image formingprocess portion 33 which includes a photosensitive material 32 which isa recording medium onto which laser light from the laser writing unit 31is irradiated. The printer portion 3 is for recording the imageinformation on a recording paper which is appropriately transported. Thelaser writing unit 31, in particular, comprises a semiconductor laserfor emitting laser light (laser beam) corresponding to the imageinformation, a polygon mirror for deflecting the laser light at anequiangular speed, an f-θ lens for correcting so that the laser lightwhich is deflected at the equiangular speed is deflected at theequiangular speed on the photosensitive material 32, etc.

The image forming process portion 33 is in accordance with a knownelectrophotographic method. An electrifier for uniformly electrifyingthe photosensitive material 32 to a predetermined polarity, a developerfor developing an electrostatic latent image which is formed byirradiation of the laser light, a transfer element for transferring adeveloped image onto a recording paper which is appropriatelytransported, a cleaning element for removing toner which remains on asurface of the photosensitive material after transfer, an electricityremover for removing an unnecessary electric charge which remains at thephotosensitive material in preparation for next formation of an image,and the like are arranged facing and around the photosensitive material32.

The printer portion 3 further comprises a transportation system 34 forfeeding a recording paper to a transfer position which faces thetransfer element of the image forming process portion 33. Thetransportation system 34 includes a hand paper feeder 35 which isdisposed as it sticks out on the right-hand side of the printer portion3, a resist roller 36 for controlling the state of transportation of apaper in synchronization to rotation of the photosensitive material 32upon feeding of the paper which is mounted on the paper feeder 35, afixing portion 37 for fixing an unfixed image on the recording paperafter transfer, and a path switching portion 30 for switching atransportation path between a path 38 for discharging the recordingpaper after fixing outside the printer portion 2 and a path 39 forsending the recording paper to the image forming process portion onceagain.

On the other hand, separately from the hand paper feeder 35 for feedinga paper into the printer portion 3, the multi-stage paper feed unit 4,which is disposed to successively feed papers of an automaticallyselected size, comprises a first paper feed cassette 41, a second paperfeed cassette 42, a third paper feed cassette 43, which all can bepulled in a forward direction of the drawing, and a fourth paper feedcassette 44 which can be added to the right-most side if selected.Further, separately from these paper feed portions, an intermediate tray45 is disposed for forming an image on the other side of a paper whichhas an image formed on one side by the printer portion 3. Further, themulti-stage paper feed unit 4 includes a joint transportation path 46for sending a paper which is selectively fed from the first, the second,the third paper feed cassettes 41, 42, 43 and the fourth paper feed tray44 into the transportation system 34 of the printer portion 3, atransportation path 47 for sending a paper with an image formed thereonwhich is stored in the intermediate tray 45 into the transportationsystem 34, and a both-surface transportation path 48 for guiding a paperwith an image formed thereon which is sent from the printer portion 3into the intermediate tray 45 so that the paper is stored in theintermediate tray 45.

The joint transportation path 46, the sending-in transportation path 47,the both-surface transportation path 48 link the both transportationpaths to each other so that papers can be exchanged with thetransportation system 34 which is disposed in the printer portion 3. Inthe both-surface transportation path 48, although not described, a paperis guided into and stored in the intermediate tray 45 when an image isto be formed on the both surfaces, whereas a paper is guided into thetransportation path 47 directly not via the intermediate tray 45 when animage is to be formed on the same surface once again. Hence, the feedingdirection of a paper which is guided into the intermediate tray 45 isreversed at the position of the intermediate tray 45, and the paper issent into the transportation path 47, whereby the paper is transportedto the resist roller 36 with the surface with an image reversed. When apaper is sent into the transportation path 47 directly from theboth-surface transportation path 48, the paper is transported such thatthe surface with an image is faced with the image forming processportion 33 again.

Further, the sorter 5 is for receiving papers which are discharged fromthe printer portion 3 and for discharging and dividing the papers into amultiple of bins 51. The sorter 5 is used selectively in a sort modewith which the same bin receives papers bearing the same page number orin a stack mode with which the same bin receives a plurality number ofpapers copying the same original.

In the copying machine 1 as described above which is a digital copyingmachine, an image of an original is decomposed into pixels once, read assuch and processed through image processing, and resulting image dataare exposed on the photosensitive material 32 of the image formingprocess portion through the laser irradiating unit 31. At this stage, animage which is irradiated upon the photosensitive material 32 issubjected to enlargement or reduction-processing in accordance with aset magnification through the image processing apparatus describedabove, and irradiated through the laser irradiating unit 31 describedabove so that an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the setmagnification is formed on a surface of the photosensitive material 32.That is, when the size of an original to be read is A4 and the size of apaper to be used for copying is B4, naturally, as shown in FIG. 6,digital processing is performed at a magnification of 1.22× (122%) andexposure is then performed.

The copying machine 1 as described above is not limited to a digitalcopying machine but may be in accordance with a method for exposing animage of an original onto the photosensitive material 32 directly as itis. In such a case, the optical system 27 is so structured as shown inFIG. 5 that reflected light from the original which is mounted on theoriginal seater 21 is reflected by three mirrors 27 a, 27 b, 27 c andthereafter further by a fixed mirror 27 e through an imaging zoom lens27 d to irradiate an image upon the photosensitive material 32. To thisend, the mirror 27 a is supported by the same support member with alight source 27 f and driven parallel to the original seater 21 at aspeed V, for instance, while the two mirrors 27 b, 27 c are supported bya different support member which is different from the former supportmember and driven parallel to the original seater 21 at a speed V/2.

The zoom lens 27 d focuses the reflected light from the original on asurface of the photosensitive material 32 at a focal point whichcorresponds to a set magnification. The mirror 27 a and the light source27 f are moved under control at a speed in accordance with themagnification. That is, where the set magnification is m, the mirror 27a and the light source 27 f are driven at a speed V/m while the twomirrors 27 b, 27 c are driven at a speed V/2 m.

The RDH 22 is so structured that an original which is mounted on anoriginal tray 22 a is transported onto the original seater 21 by atransportation belt 22 e which is disposed on the original seater 21through transportation means which is formed by a paper feed belt 22 b,a reverse roller 22 c and a follower roller 22 d. Once an image of theoriginal is read, that is, once exposure of the image is completed, theoriginal is transported by transportation means which is formed by areverse roller 22 f and a follower roller 22 g and sent back into theoriginal tray 22 a described above through discharge rollers 22 h, 22 i.

When the RDH 22 is operated in a regular RDH mode, originals aretransported one by one from the bottom original to the position of theoptical system 27 shown in the drawing and an image is exposed whiletransporting the original without stopping the original, oralternatively, the original is stopped with a leading edge of theoriginal (a rear edge of the original as taken in the transportationdirection) at a reference position of the original seater 21 and animage is exposed with the optical system 27 described above scanningalong the original seater 21. In this case, in the RDH mode, onceexposure of an original is completed one time, the original is sent backinto the original tray 22 a. Meanwhile, when the RDH 22 is operated inan ADF mode, an original is sent back into the original tray 22 a aftercompleting scanning exposure for a plurality of times set for copying.

The originals and sheets of paper are rectangular or square, and asshown in Table 1, lengths L1 and L2 of two sides which are perpendicularto each other are defined in the Japanese Industrial Standards.

TABLE 1 Sizes of JIS Size L1 (mm) Size L2 (mm) A A3  880/4 625/2 A4 880/4 625/4 A5  880/8 625/4 B B4 1085/4 765/4 B5 1085/8 765/4

Enlargement ratio E and reduction ratio R will be described. As anexample of the enlargement ratio E is indicated an enlargement ratio of115% in formulae (1) and (2). For example, E(B5/A4) indicatesenlargement of from B5 of original size to A4 of paper size, and otherratios of enlargement and reduction are indicated in such manner.$\begin{matrix}{{E\left( {{B5}/{A4}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{4}/\frac{765}{4}} = {\frac{625}{4}/\frac{1085}{8}}}} & (1) \\{{E\left( {{B4}/{A3}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{4}/\frac{765}{4}} = {\frac{625}{2}/\frac{1085}{4}}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

When the enlargement ratio E is 122%, the following manners arepossible. $\begin{matrix}{{E\left( {{A5}/{B5}} \right)} = {{\frac{1085}{8}/\frac{880}{8}} = {\frac{765}{4}/\frac{625}{4}}}} & (3) \\{{E\left( {{A4}/{B4}} \right)} = {{\frac{1085}{4}/\frac{880}{4}} = {\frac{765}{4}/\frac{625}{4}}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

When the enlargement ratio E is 141% the following enlargements arepossible. $\begin{matrix}{{E\left( {{A5}/{A4}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{4}/\frac{625}{4}} = {\frac{625}{4}/\frac{880}{8}}}} & (5) \\{{E\left( {{A4}/{A3}} \right)} = {{\frac{625}{2}/\frac{880}{4}} = {\frac{880}{4}/\frac{625}{4}}}} & (6) \\{{E\left( {{B5}/{B4}} \right)} = {{\frac{765}{4}/\frac{1085}{8}} = {\frac{1085}{4}/\frac{765}{4}}}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

When the reduction ratio R is 70%, the following reductions arepossible. For example, R(A3/A5) indicates reduction of from A3 oforiginal size to A5 of paper size, and other magnifications areindicated in such manner. $\begin{matrix}{{R\left( {{A3}/{A5}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{8}/\frac{625}{2}} = {\frac{625}{4}/\frac{880}{4}}}} & (8) \\{{R\left( {{A3}/{A4}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{4}/\frac{625}{2}} = {\frac{625}{4}/\frac{880}{4}}}} & (9) \\{{R\left( {{B4}/{B5}} \right)} = {{\frac{1085}{8}/\frac{765}{4}} = {\frac{765}{4}/\frac{1085}{4}}}} & (10)\end{matrix}$

When the reduction ratio R is 81%, the following reduction are possible.$\begin{matrix}{{R\left( {{B5}/{A5}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{8}/\frac{1085}{8}} = {\frac{625}{4}/\frac{765}{4}}}} & (11) \\{{R\left( {{B4}/{A4}} \right)} = {{\frac{880}{4}/\frac{1085}{4}} = {\frac{625}{4}/\frac{765}{4}}}} & (12)\end{matrix}$

When the reduction ratio R is 86%, the following reduction are possible.$\begin{matrix}{{R\left( {{A4}/{B5}} \right)} = {{\frac{1085}{8}/\frac{625}{4}} = {\frac{765}{4}/\frac{880}{4}}}} & (13) \\{{R\left( {{A3}/{B4}} \right)} = {{\frac{1085}{4}/\frac{625}{2}} = {\frac{765}{4}/\frac{880}{4}}}} & (14)\end{matrix}$

<First Embodiment>

Next, a detailed description will be given on an embodiment whichsimplifies the operation of setting a magnification with the copyingmachine 1 as described above.

To set a magnification, in addition to magnification setting keys, on anoperation panel, there are a number of keys provided for setting othertypes of various copying conditions and a display apparatus or the likefor sequentially displaying the conditions, as shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 2, the operation panel 101 comprises a liquid crystal displayapparatus (hereinafter “LCD,” i.e., Liquid Crystal Display) 102 whichserves as displaying means for displaying a set magnification accordingto the invention and other necessary information, a zoom up key 103 anda zoom down key 104 which serve as keys for setting magnificationsaccording to the invention as well as zoom keys for changing amagnification by 1% at a time, an operation guide key 105 for guiding anoperation condition and the like of the copying machine if necessary, aset copy number display portion 106 for displaying the number of copiesto be made, a copy end display portion 107 for displaying the number ofcopies already made, ten numeric keys 108 for setting the number ofcopies to be made and other numbers, a clear key 109 for clearing theset number of copies to be made, and a copy start key (i.e., a printswitch) 110 for starting copying. Further displayed on the operationpanel 101 are a sorter function setting portion 111 for designatingprocessing performed with a sorter 51 such as stacking and sorteddischarging, a copy mode setting portion 112 for setting modes such as aboth-side copy mode, a one-side copy mode and an RDH mode, a functionsetting portion 113 for ensuring a binding margin of a recording paperwith an image formed thereon and for setting image processing functionssuch as centering and trimming, etc. Further, denoted at 114 is a paperselection key for selecting paper.

The zoom up key 103 on the operation panel 101 described above isoperated to gradually increase a magnification by 1% each time, i.e.,for the purpose of zooming up. The zoom down key 104 is operated togradually decrease a magnification by 1% each time, i.e., for thepurpose of zooming down.

The operation panel 101 is connected to a main CPU 124, which controlsan image forming operation of the copying machine, through acommunication interface, as shown in FIG. 3. A key matrix 152, which isformed by connecting the ten numeric keys 108, the magnify/reduce keys103, 104, the operation guide key 105 and other various operation keysin the form of a matrix, an LED display portion 151 for displaying a setfunction and the like, and an LCD 102 according to the invention, inparticular, are controlled through an operation panel control portion128.

The operation panel control portion 128 comprises a program ROM 141, adata ROM 142, a CPU 143, an attribute RAM 144, a V-RAMs 145, 146, acharacter generator ROM (hereinafter “CG-ROM”) 147, a graphic ROM 148for displaying a magnification according to the invention, a colorpallet 149, and an LCD controller 150.

The program ROM 141 described above forms the display control meansaccording to the invention, together with the CPU 143, the LCDcontroller 150 and the like, and stores control programs, especially, aprogram for controlling the operation panel, in advance. The data ROM142 stores data expressing a message consisting of characters whichdescribes a series of operation procedures for jamming in the copyingmachine main unit 1 and at each portion such as the RDH 22, storageaddresses of data and display color information in the graphic ROM 148,and information such as a sub message or the like which is used forsetting a magnification according to the invention, each in the form ofa code in advance. The CPU 143 is connected to the main CPU 124 of theimage forming apparatus through the communication interface. Inaccordance with an input from the CPU 124, controlling based on theprogram which is stored in the program ROM 141 is performed.

Further, with respect to display data which are written into the RAM144, the attribute RAM 144 instructs the LCD controller 150 to performflashing, black-and-white reversing and the like of a display imagewhich is displayed by the LCD 102. The V-RAMs 145, 146 are memories fortemporarily storing display data, such as a magnification displayaccording to the invention and message data which are graphicallydisplayed, which are to be displayed by the LCD 102 in the form of codedata. The CG-ROM 147 stores fonts for the respective characters. Thegraphic ROM 148 stores graphic data such as a displayed magnification(which is displayed with large characters) according to the invention,an original size for the copying machine, a selected paper size, etc.,in advance.

For better understanding of the structure described above, an easyfunction will be described. First, the zoom up key 103 or the zoom downkey 104 which are disposed on the operation panel 101 is operated, asignal expressing this operation is input to the CPU 143 of theoperation panel control portion 128 through the key matrix 152, thisoperation condition is confirmed, and the signal is fed to the main CPU124 of the copying machine main unit through the communicationinterface. Receiving this operation signal, on the main CPU 124 side,sequential counting of a magnification is performed. That is, when thezoom up key 103 is operated, a counter is incremented by “1.” This issetting of the magnification by 1% each time. The content of the counterindicates an initial value, particularly 100% of standard use, uponturning on of a power source. For instance, “100” is preset.

On the main CPU 124 side, data expressing a copy magnification (imagemagnification) which is counted are forwarded to the operation panelcontrol portion 128 through the communication interface. Upon receptionof this magnification data at the CPU 143, in accordance with thecontent of the program ROM 141, the magnification data are convertedinto bit data or the likely by the CG-ROM 147 and the graphic ROMconvert, stored in the V-RAMs 145, 146, and displayed by the LCD 102through the LCD controller 150. At this stage, during setting of amagnification according to the invention, in a condition close to afixed magnification, to display a message, e.g., a sub message accordingto the invention such as “A4→B5” indicating an original size and a papersize which are an optimal condition with which an image can be formed atthat fixed magnification, separately from the displayed magnification,the data are written into the V-RAMs 145, 146 and displayed by the LCD102.

The LCD controller 150 reads out the stored data from the V-RAMs 145,146 or the like through the CG-ROM 147 as described above, and drivesthe LCD 102 and make the LCD 102 display in accordance with the datawhich are read. At this stage, when the LCD 102 is to display graphicbesides a magnification and a message, the data are read through thegraphic ROM 148.

The attribute RAM 144 is used to make the LCD 102 partially flash,reverse or otherwise display if necessary as described earlier. Thecolor pallet 149 stores color data which are necessary for the LCD 102to display in colors, and is used particularly for displaying data incolors for a color display area stored in the V-RAMs 145, 146.

The main CPU 124, with the operation panel control portion 128, controlsnot only the operation panel portion through the communication interfaceas described above, but also an image forming operation of the copyingmachine main unit 1. For instance, upon inputting of detection signalsfrom various detection sensors of the copying machine main unit 1 andthe like, the image forming process portion 33 of the printer portion 3is controlled while at the same time automatic selection of a paper,feeding and transportation of papers are controlled, whereby formationof an image is sequentially controlled. Further, signals from variousdetection sensors of the RDH 22 are also input, so as to concurrentlycontrol transportation of an original by the RDH 22.

In the first embodiment described below of the invention, the zoom keysare only magnification setting keys. A description will be given onsimplified setting of an optional magnification by means of operatingthe zoom keys, especially the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104.Therefore, separately from the zoom keys, in accordance with necessityas in the conventional case, needless to mention, fixed magnificationkeys or the like may be disposed. In the invention, use of the zoom keysmakes it easier to set fixed magnifications and other optionalmagnification than heretofore possible and the operability of the keysis improved.

Before moving to a detailed description, a brief description will begiven on a characteristic of setting of a magnification according to theinvention. For instance, when a fixed magnification is to be set as animage formation magnification, either one of the zoom up key 103 and thezoom down key 104 is operated. In accordance with this operation, amagnification upon start (initial stage) is increased or decreased by 1%each time and displayed. At this stage, when the magnification becomesclose to predetermined fixed magnifications such as 86% and 115%, theLCD 102 displays, as a sub message, a combination of an optimal originalsize and an optimal paper size with fixed sizes for a fixedmagnification of 86% or 115%, in accordance with the displayed fixedmagnification. As herein termed, an original size not only refers to asheet-like original size, but also to an image size or the like which isinputted through a scanner and image inputting means (e.g., a wordprocessor, a personal computer), for instance, in the case of a digitalimage.

An operator can learn a condition of a fixed magnification by looking ata displayed magnification and a sub message at the same time whileoperating keys to set a magnification as described above. Hence, basedon the content which is displayed as a sub message for each fixedmagnification, a user can easily set a fixed magnification. Further,when an optional magnification which is in the vicinity of a fixedmagnification is to be set, since reference to a displayed sub messagehelps setting of a magnification, an operation for this purpose issimple.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a basic control flow of a condition in whichenlargement (zooming up) or reduction (zooming down) is performed by 1%each time by operating the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104.With reference to these drawings, a control condition for zooming up ordown will be described. This is merely to describe an example where amagnification is shifted by 1% each time, without binding the inventionto this particular example.

First, when the magnify key (zoom up key) 103 of the operation panel 101is operated, zoom up control which increases a magnification by 1% eachtime as shown in FIG. 7 is performed while when the zoom down key 104 ofthe operation panel 101 is operated, a magnification decreases by 1%each time as shown in FIG. 8. Upon operation of the zoom up key 103 orthe zoom down key, this operation condition is confirmed (S1 or S01) andwhether the content of the counter is “0” is confirmed (S2 or S02). Thecounter, which is for successively increasing or decreasing amagnification when a condition that the zoom up key 103 or the zoom downkey 104 is operated (ON) is maintained, initially slows down undercontrol a shifting cycle of increasing or decreasing a magnification butquickens under control the shifting cycle of increasing or decreasingthe magnification as a time period of the operation becomes longer tothereby shorten a time which is necessary to set a desiredmagnification.

Here, the content of the counter C is “0”, a timer T is set at 400 msec,and a timer operation is started (S3 or S03). Following this, thecontent of the counter C is incremented (S4 or S04) by “1” count whileincrementing or decrementing the content of a magnification counter Msimilarly by “1” count (S5 or S05). The magnification which is set inthis manner is fed to the operation panel control portion 128 (S6 orS06).

On the other hand, the main CPU 124 side returns to S1 (or S01). At thisstage, the sequence proceeds from S1 (or S01) to S2 (or S02) uponconfirmation at a step S0 (S01) that the zoom up key 103 or the zoomdown key 104 is being continuously operated, the content of the counteras not being “0” is confirmed, whether the timer T which ispreliminarily set has measured 400 msec is confirmed (S7 or S07), andwhen this is not confirmed, an operation of S1(S01)→S2 (S02)→S7 (S07) isrepeated. As the timer T measures 400 msec, whether the content of thecounter C is smaller than 5 is checked (S8 or S08), the timer T is setat 400 msec again (S9 or S09) and measurement of time is started, sothat the content of the counter C is incremented by “1” count (S4 orS04) while the content of the magnification counter M is incremented ordecremented by “1” count (S5 or S05), the contents are transferred tothe operation panel control portion 128 (S6 or S06) and displayedthrough the LCD 102.

As described above, by keeping the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key104 continuously operated, zooming up or down by 1% respectively eachtime is performed every 400 msec. The counter C indicates “5” uponincrement of 5%, and the sequence shifts as S8 (S08)→S10 (S010)→S11(S011), so that from the next time, the timer T is set at 200 msec (S11or S011) and zooming up or down by 1% respectively each time isperformed every 200 msec. After a change in the magnification by 10%,the sequence shifts as S12 (S012)→S13 (S013) and zooming up or down by1% respectively each time is performed every 100 msec. At S12, with thecontent of the magnification counter M already reaching “141,” settingof a larger magnification is impossible. Similarly, at S012, with thecontest of the magnification counter for “64” already reaching thesetting of a larger reduction is impossible. Hence, the sequence returnsto S1 (S01) without altering the magnification counter and the like. Inother words, the zoom up key zoom down key is kept continuously operated(ON), and when the magnification reaches the respective upper or lowerlimit, the resulting magnification is maintained to prohibit setting ofa larger magnification or reduction.

Further, in the case where the zoom down key 104 is operated, as shownin FIG. 8, conversely, zooming down by 1% each time is performed and achanging condition is serially displayed by the LCD 102. When theoperation of the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is released(OFF), the resulting condition is detected at the step S00 (or at a stepS00), the content of the counter C is cleared to “0” in the resultingcondition (S15 or S015). However, the magnification counter M maintainsthe set content. However, upon turning on of a power source or when thecopying machine used to be left without used for a predetermined periodof time, since a set magnification is 100% as an initial value, themagnification counter M is preset to “100.” Hence, operating the zoom upkey 103 or the zoom down key 104 in such a condition increases ordecreases the content of 100% by 1% each time.

On the operation panel control portion 128 side, set magnification datafed from the main CPU 124 side are displayed by the LCD 102, asdescribed earlier. Further, according to the invention, the LCD 102displays a sub message together with the magnification, in accordancewith the magnification data fed from the main CPU 124.

Describing this with reference to the control flow which is shown inFIG. 9, on the operation panel control portion 128 side, when themagnification data are transferred from the main CPU 124, at a step S20,the condition that the magnification data are transferred is confirmedso that the sequence progresses as S21→S22 and whether the transferredmagnification data are in the vicinity of a fixed magnification isconfirmed (S22). The fixed magnification data are stored in the data ROM124, for instance, and compared with the magnification data which areset described above.

In the case where it is possible to set a magnification in the rangebetween 64% and 141%, the data ROM 142 stores 70%, 81%, 86%, 115%, 122%and 141% as fixed magnifications, as shown in FIG. 6. Further, duringcomparison, a magnification is confirmed against the range of ±5% of thefixed magnifications above, for instance, in this embodiment. Forinstance, between 76% and 86%, 81% is judged Yes at the step S22. Thestep S22 is judging means for judging whether a magnification which isset according to the invention (which is counted by the magnificationcounter M) is the fixed magnifications or a magnification in thevicinity of the fixed magnifications.

In the case where it is confirmed that the set magnification is not inthe vicinity of a specific fixed magnification, at a step S23, the setmagnification alone is graphically displayed in a predetermined area ofthe LCD 102. However, when it is confirmed that the set magnificationdata are in the vicinity of a specific fixed magnification, at a stepS24, the set magnification is displayed and at the same time a submessage is displayed in a regular form of characters, particularly thecontents which are stored in the CG-ROM 147. As a sub message, acombination of an optimal original size and an optimal paper size underan optimal condition is used. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, for afixed magnification of 70%, the contents are such as A4 (original orimage size)→A5 (paper size), A3→A4 and B4→B5.

Referring to FIG. 1 once again, displaying a magnification according tothe first embodiment of the invention will be described. For simplicityof a description, the drawing shows a condition in which a shiftingmagnification displayed by the LCD 102 during zooming up of a setmagnification from an initial magnification of 100% (equalmagnification) by operating the zoom up key 103. As shown in FIG. 1, asthe zoom up key 103 is operated in the 100%-condition and this operationis continued, the magnification is zoomed up serially like 101%, 102% .. . When the magnification is zoomed up to a magnification which is inthe vicinity of the initial fixed magnification of 115%, e.g., amagnification of 110%, the set magnification is graphically displayed(with large characters) while at the same time a sub message isdisplayed which is an original size and a paper size under an optimalcondition for copying at the fixed magnification of 115%. The submessage is displayed while the magnification is between 110% and 120%,and when the magnification becomes 121% or larger, the sub message iserased and only the magnification which is set by successively operatingthe zoom up key 103 is displayed at a predetermined position. Althoughthe foregoing has described that ±5% is regarded as the range around afixed magnification, an optional value may be set as the range.

As described above, a sub message is displayed when the setmagnification during zooming up and the zoomed up magnification are inthe vicinity of a fixed magnification, e.g., ±5% of the fixedmagnification. Conversely, in the case where the zoom down key 104 isoperated, in a similar manner, when the set magnification which is beingzoomed down reaches ±5% of the fixed magnification, a sub message forthe fixed magnification is displayed.

According to this embodiment, as described above, when the setmagnification becomes close to a specific fixed magnification as aresult of an operation of the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104,a sub message is displayed together with the set magnification. Since anoperator looks at these displays, the operator can judge displayedoriginal and paper sizes under an optimal condition, without judging aset magnification. This simplifies setting of a desired magnificationwhich is performed by the operator. Further, the operator only has to beknowledgeable of a magnification itself, the operator can easily operatea desired magnification condition only by looking at a set magnificationnot at a sub message. Thus, the operation is simple similarly to askilled operator and an unskilled operator.

In FIG. 9, when a set magnification is not or is in the vicinity of afixed magnification at the step S23 or S24, a sub message is displayedtogether with the fixed magnification. In these displays, as shown inFIG. 10A or 10B, an original size (e.g., B5) of an original which is seton an original tray in the copying machine 1 and a selected paper size(e.g., A4) are graphically displayed at the same time. For suchdisplaying, the data ROM 142 stores codes and the like for expressingthe copying machine, bit data which are necessary for displaying incorrespondence with the codes are read through the graphic ROM 148 anddisplayed through the LCD controller 150. For the original and papersizes, corresponding data are transferred from the main CPU 124 to theCPU 143, so that those displays are displayed.

The displays as those shown in FIG. 10 are provided altogether, it ispossible to grasp the displayed sub message and a fixed magnificationbased on the present original and paper sizes in an easy manner. Thus,using the zoom keys, the fixed magnification is set easier and moresurely. Further, when an optional magnification which is in the vicinityof the fixed magnification is to be set, reference to such a displaymakes it possible to accurately set the magnification.

As in the example shown in FIG. 6, as the fixed magnifications, thefixed magnifications for the A- and the B-sizes are illustrated.However, this is not limiting but is similar for sizes which aremeasured in inches. For instance, as the fixed magnifications are given64% (8.5×11→5.5×8.5, 11×17→8.5×11), 77% (8.5×14→8.5×11, 11×17→8.5×14),121% (8.5×14→11×17). Hence, for sizes which are measured in inches aswell, in response to an operation of the zoom up key 103 or the zoomdown key 104, when the magnification reaches a value within a range of±5% of the fixed magnifications above, a sub message under an optimalcondition with original and paper sizes of that time point is displayedtogether with the magnification.

In the embodiment described above, when a sub message is to be displayedin the range of ±5% of (i.e., in the vicinity of) a fixed magnification,there is an overlapping area between the fixed magnifications of 115%and 122%. That is, in the magnification range between 117% and 120%, amagnification enters in the vicinity of the two fixed magnifications. Insuch a case, priority is placed on the fixed magnification of 115%. Inthe case where the magnification is to be shifted up to 120%, a submessage indicating 115% is displayed, and a sub message indicating thefixed magnification of 122% is displayed when the set magnificationreaches 121%. This makes a boundary between the fixed magnifications of115% and 122% clear, and therefore, it is possible to distinguish thefixed magnifications easily.

Alternatively, with respect to the overlapping area described abovebetween the fixed magnifications of 115% and 122%, sub messages for theboth fixed magnifications may be displayed together. In other words, inthe range between 117% and 120%, sub messages for the fixedmagnifications of 115% and 122% may be displayed as they overlap witheach other. In this case, separately from the fixed magnification of115%, for the fixed magnification of 122%, a sub message reading “A5→B5”and “A4→B4” is displayed. Therefore, an operator can perform processing,utilizing this display as judgment information for distinguishing thefixed magnifications from each other.

To avoid such overlapping in the magnification ranges which overlap witheach other in the vicinity of the fixed magnifications, the range in thevicinity of a fixed magnification may be defined. In this case, therange in the vicinity may be set as ±3%, for the fixed magnifications of115% and 122%, in order to avoid overlapping. The fixed magnificationswhich overlap with each other are the fixed magnifications of 81% and86% for reduction. For these fixed magnifications as well, a sub messagemay be displayed for each one of the fixed magnifications in the mannerdescribed above.

The operation above is a condition where the zoom up key 103 is beingcontinuously operated. When the operation is released (OFF) in themiddle of the operation, a set magnification at that time is displayedand a sub message is also displayed near a fixed magnification. In thiscase, after a certain period of time since the operation of the zoom upkey 103 is released, the sub message may be erased or may be keptcontinuously displayed.

The sub messages described above are stored in the data ROM 142 in arelative relationship as that shown in FIG. 6. The contents of the dataROM 142 are read out and displayed by LCD 102 through the V-RAMs or theCG-ROM. At this stage, when a figure expressing a magnification is to begraphically displayed, corresponding display data are stored in thegraphic ROM 148, read out through the graphic ROM 148 and displayed byLCD 102 through the LCD controller 150.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, with respect to an operation of the zoom up key 103 orthe zoom down key 104, although the foregoing has described that amagnification is zoomed up or down by 1% each time every 400 msecinitially around the start of the operation but every 100 msec at thelast stage, this is not limiting. That is, the magnification may bezoomed up or down every predetermined time, e.g., from the beginning, aslong as the speed allows an operator to visually recognize a changingmagnification in setting the magnification.

With respect to displaying of a magnification, described above, since amagnification is changed every predetermined time, the time period forshifting the magnification is quickened to speed up setting of a desiredmagnification. Due to this, the timing for judging a desiredmagnification value and releasing a key operation may fail in somecases, thereby creating a condition when the magnification is yet toreach the desired magnification or over the desired magnification.

To deal with such a situation, when a sub message is displayed in thevicinity of the fixed magnifications above, changing of themagnification is slowed down in accordance with the displayed submessage. For example, the foregoing has described that according to thisembodiment, at the start of an operation of the zoom up key 103 or thezoom down key 104, zooming up or down is performed every 400 msec, andafter a change by 10%, zooming up or down is performed every 100 msec,whereby the desired magnification is passed away or fails to be reachedin some cases. Therefore, in the case where the zoom up key 103 or thezoom down key 104 is continuously operated in the vicinity of the fixedmagnifications, particularly since a sub message is displayed, it ispossible to zoom up or down every 400 msec. As described earlier, thisis carried out more easily by means of a time which is set with thetimer T, and together with the timer T, constitutes the count controlportion for controlling a cycle for counting up or down of themagnification counter M, and particularly a cycle of changing amagnification by 1% each time.

In this embodiment, switching among three levels is performed duringzooming up or down. That is, 400 msec initially, 200 msec next, and 100msec at last. This is not limiting. Rather, during zooming up or down,when zooming up or down is carried out every predetermined time, e.g.,100 msec from the beginning, during a period in which a sub messageassociated with a fixed magnification is displayed, it is possible toset a desired magnification easily even though a change is every 200msec as described above. In short, while a sub message is displayed, amagnification may be changed during zooming up or down every longer timethan preliminarily performed.

However, with respect to the initial change of every 400 msec, sincesetting a longer time unit is bothersome, 400 msec is maintained while amagnification is changed 1% at a time. That is, the time unit longerthan the longest time unit is not allowed.

According to this embodiment described above, since a change in amagnification which is set in the vicinity of the fixed magnifications(i.e., the change by 1% at a time) is slowed down, setting of themagnification in the vicinity of the fixed magnifications is easily andmore surely realized by operating only once. This shortens time which isnecessary for setting a magnification and improves the operability.

<Second Embodiment>

Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. The secondembodiment requires to display a sub message only in the vicinity of thefixed magnifications of the first embodiment. Hence, since the submessages are not displayed unless a magnification becomes close to thefixed magnifications, an unskilled operator may fail to understand inwhat manner the magnification is to be set with a display deleted. Todeal with this, in the second embodiment, during zooming up or down forthe purpose of setting a desired magnification, sub messagescorresponding to various fixed magnifications in a condition of zoomingup from an initial magnification are displayed altogether.

For example, referring to the fixed magnifications for the A- and theB-sizes, when an initial magnification prior to zooming up or down is85%, by operating the zoom up key 103, various sub messages for thefixed magnifications of 85% or higher are displayed. In other words, thefixed magnifications exceeding 85% are 86%, 115%, 112 &, 141%, andtherefore, sub messages consisting of combinations of the original andthe paper sizes at the fixed magnifications under optimal conditions aredisplayed altogether. Referring to such displays, an operator can easilyset the desired magnification.

Now, controlling for realizing the operation above will be describedwith reference to the control flow in FIG. 11.

Before executing the control flow shown in FIG. 11, in the control flowshown in FIG. 7 or 8, the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 isoperated.

Confirming this operation, the control flow shown in FIG. 7 or 8 iscarried out, and at the step S6 (or S06), a set magnification which isequal to an initial magnification as it is increased by “1” istransferred to the operation panel control portion 128. Upon receptionof the magnification data thus transferred at the operation panelcontrol portion 128, the control flow in FIG. 11 is executed on theoperation panel control portion 128 side, by the CPU 143 in particular.

Hence, when reception of the magnification data is confirmed (S30), thereceived data being the magnification data is recognized (S31), theinitial magnification (m) set before the zoom up key 103 or the zoomdown key 104 is operated is stored in a memory portion M2, and the newset magnification which is transferred (m1) is stored in a memoryportion M1 (S32, S33). The initial set magnification (m) is stored inthe memory portion M1 under a regular circumstance, and the contents ofthe memory portion M1 are transferred and stored to the memory portionM2. The transferred new set magnification (m1) is the count contents ofthe magnification counter M which are set by operating the zoom up key103 or the zoom down key 104 in FIG. 7 or 8.

At the next step, the contents the memory portions M1 and M2 arecompared with each other (S34). When the transferred magnification (m1)in the memory portion M1 is larger than the magnification (m) in thememory portion M2, it is confirmed that the current condition is thezoom up condition by means of the zoom up key 103. On the other hand,when the magnification in the memory portion M1 is smaller than themagnification in the memory portion M2, it is confirmed that the currentcondition is the zoom down condition by means of the zoom down key 104.

Where the memory contents in the respective memory portions are in arelationship M2 (m)>M1 (m1), the sequence proceeds to a step S35,whereby together with the set magnification and the various fixedmagnifications of the zoom down side, the LCD 102 displays a sub messageindicating a combination of original and paper sizes under an optimalcondition. When M2<M1, the sequence proceeds to a step S36, wherebytogether with the set magnification and the various fixed magnificationsof the zoom up side, the LCD 102 displays a sub message indicating acombination of original and paper sizes under an optimal condition, asshown in the drawing.

During such displaying described above, reference to sub messages forthe various fixed magnifications which are displayed together makes iteasy for an operator to set a desired magnification. In FIG. 10, whenthe magnification data are transferred from the main CPU 124 to theoperation panel control portion 128 without operating the zoom up key103 or the zoom down key 104, regarding at the step S34 that the setmagnification is the same, the magnification which is set, e.g., themagnification data “100%” for the initial value, is displayed (S37).

The sub messages are displayed only during a predetermined period oftime after the operation but may thereafter be erased to leave the setmagnification alone as displayed. The predetermined period of time issuch a time which allows an operator to recognize a displayed submessage, e.g., around five seconds. Further, as a combination with thefirst embodiment, when the set magnification becomes a fixedmagnification or a value close to a fixed magnification, erased submessages may be displayed altogether during the predetermined period oftime. In this case, as in the first embodiment, only a combination ofthe original and the paper size under an optimal condition in thevicinity of the fixed magnifications may be displayed, or thecombination and the set magnification may be displayed together. Hence,since when the set magnification becomes close to the fixedmagnifications, the sub messages are displayed again. Thus, an operatorcan recognize the desired magnification again, setting the desiredmagnification without any mistake in an easy manner with an even moresimpler operation.

In FIG. 11, although the foregoing has described that sub messages areerased after the predetermined period of time when the various fixedmagnifications of the zoom up or down direction and the sub messages areto be displayed while the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 isoperated, the sub messages may be always displayed including the variousfixed magnifications and when one of the fixed magnifications which aredisplayed together is passed, a sub message for the fixed magnificationwhich is passed may be erased while the sub messages corresponding tothe remaining fixed magnifications may be displayed. Thus, since anunwanted condition is erased, the desired magnification can be moreeasily recognized and the desired magnification can be set more surely.

That is, when the LCD 102 is in the condition of displaying as shown inFIG. 12, as the zoom up key 103 is operated starting from an initialvalue of 100% (equal magnification) for instance, in the condition thatthis operation is continuing (ON maintained), initially, a sub messageis displayed which indicates a combination of the original and the papersizes under an optimal condition for the fixed magnifications of 115%,122%, 141%. This display condition is maintained up to 115%, and whenthe set magnification reaches 116% after passing the fixed magnificationof 115%, the sub message corresponding to the fixed magnification of115% is erased.

Further, by continuously operating the zoom up key 103, until the setmagnification reaches the fixed magnification of 122%, the fixedmagnification of the zoom up direction and a corresponding sub messageare displayed together. As the set magnification reaches 123%, only asub message corresponding to the remaining fixed magnification of 141%is displayed. As described above, every time a fixed magnification ispassed, the fixed magnification which is not necessary any more and acorresponding sub message are erased, and therefore, the labor ofvisually recognizing is reduced, the operability is improved, andsetting of a desired magnification is simplified without fail.

Although the foregoing has described the zoom up direction, the fixedmagnifications of the zoom down direction and corresponding sub messagestogether are displayed. Every time a displayed fixed magnification ispassed, the displayed fixed magnification and a corresponding submessage are erased.

FIG. 12 describes an example where every time a fixed magnification ispassed, the fixed magnification which is passed is erased. Unlike this,in a condition that fixed magnifications and sub messages are displayedtogether, rather than erasing the fixed magnification which is passed,the fixed magnification which will appear next and the other fixedmagnifications are displayed in different conditions from each other.This makes it easier to set a desired magnification and attains theobject of making it possible to easily recognize that the desiredmagnification has been already passed.

FIG. 13 shows the above-described example of displays. In FIG. 13, whenthe set magnification is initially 100% (equal magnification) as in FIG.12, operating the zoom up key 103 zooms up the set magnification as themagnification of 101%. In this condition, the LCD 102 displays thevarious fixed magnifications of the zoom up direction starting from 100%and corresponding sub messages all at once. At this stage, a display 102a of a sub message corresponding to the next fixed magnification of 115%is displayed distinctively from a display 102 b of a sub message for thefixed magnifications of 122% and 141%.

When the set magnification reaches 116%, the next fixed magnification of122% alone is displayed distinctively from the other fixedmagnifications. When the set magnification reaches 123% at last, thefixed magnification of 141% is displayed distinctively from the otherfixed magnifications.

Out of the various fixed magnifications which are displayed together,the next fixed magnification which follows the set magnification whichis currently displayed by the display portion is displayed in reverse inthe drawing, distinctively from the displays of the other fixedmagnifications. This makes it possible to easily recognize the nextfixed magnification and to set the desired magnification. Further, sinceit is possible to easily recognize relationships between the displaycondition of the set magnification and the fixed magnifications,judgment of whether the desired set magnification is passed is madeeasy. In the case that the desired set magnification is not passed, thatoperation is continued, whereby it is possible to set the desired setmagnification without fail. When the condition that the desiredmagnification is passed is confirmed, the zoom down key 104 is operatedseparately from the zoom up key 103 so that the desired magnification isset in an easy manner. At this stage, since the fixed magnifications ofthe zoom down direction are displayed all at once and the initial fixedmagnification is displayed distinctively from the other fixedmagnifications, setting of a magnification in the vicinity of that isextremely easy.

The foregoing has described that the operations with the zoom up key103. The operations with the zoom down key 104 are similar, andtherefore, will not be described.

To distinctively display, besides displaying in reverse colors, thecolors may be changed, larger characters may be used to display, a marksuch as “→” may be placed at the beginning of a display, etc. Asdescribed earlier, for the purpose of displaying in reverse colors, theattribute RAM 144 is used. The color pallet 149 or the like is used forchanging the colors. When the colors are changed, naturally, the LCD 102is a color image display apparatus.

In another embodiment, as displays including fixed magnifications of submessages, an area for such display is restricted in accordance with amode to which the copying machine 1 is set. For instance, in the copyingmachine shown in FIG. 4, the CCD reads an image and a digital image readin this manner is processed in accordance with a magnification, andtherefore, scan reading is performed always at a constant reading speedregardless of the set magnification.

However, when the image of the original as that shown in FIG. 5 isfocused directly on the photosensitive material 32, it is necessary tocontrol a scanning speed of the optical system in accordance with theset magnification. Where an original is mounted on the original seater21 and an image of the original is scanned by the optical system 27 andexposed on the photosensitive material 32, it is possible to opticallyscan at a set speed, thereby solving a problem such as a change in thespeed. However, when reflected light from an original is to be focusedon the photosensitive material 32 through the optical system 27 whiletransporting the original in the RDH 22 or the like, the range of anallowable magnification is narrower than in the case where an originalon the original seater 21 is scanned. For instance, where amagnification which allows the optical system 27 to scan is 64%-141%,when an image is to be focused on the photosensitive material 32 whiletransporting an original, the range is limited to around 70%-121%. Thisis for ensuring that an image focused on the photosensitive material 32accurately.

Hence, in the case that the mode for forming an image by means of theRDH 22 is selected, fixed magnifications within the range above and submessages are displayed together. This case is as shown in FIG. 14.

In FIG. 14, where the initial value is 69%, as the zoom up key 103 isoperated, together with the set magnification of 70% and fixedmagnifications along the zoom up direction of 70%, 81%, 86%, 115%, submessages under an optimal condition with original and paper sizes ofthat time point are displayed. As the zoom up key 103 is furthercontinuously operated, the magnification is gradually zoomed up,shifting from 71%, 72% . . . 100%, and the sub messages are erased uponarrival at 100%. Further, sub messages are erased as the fixedmagnification of 15% is passed, zooming up is performed up to themagnification of 121%, and further zooming up is prohibited.

Normally, in the mode for copying with an original left still on theoriginal seater 21 unlike in the RDH mode, besides the fixedmagnifications above, fixed magnifications of 122% and 141% as well aredisplayed together with corresponding sub messages. In the RDH mode, nosuch displaying is provided for the fixed magnifications of 122% and141% which are outside the range. Thus, as far as displaying of submessages is concerned, relative relationships between original and papersizes which are allowed for the respective modes are displayed as submessages, and hence, it is possible for an operator to set a fixedmagnification within the allowable range or to set an optionalmagnification in an easy manner without fail.

Other mode with a set magnification range determined as the RDH mode isan 1-set/2-copy mode wherein an original is set still on the originalseater 21 and an image on the left-hand side and an image on theright-hand side of the set original are copied onto separately papers.This is utilized when a book original is set as it is opened on theoriginal seater 21 and an image on a left-hand side page and an image ona right-hand side page are copied onto separately papers or on the bothsides of one sheet paper. Due to this, magnifications which are allowedare in the range of 64%-100% (when the allowable set magnifications inthe copying machine are in the range of 64%-141%), which prohibitsenlargement copy. Even in such a mode, the various fixed magnificationswhich are within the range above are displayed with sub messages.

In this embodiment as well, the entire copying machine, original sizes,a selected paper size, a paper size for which paper feeding is possiblemay be displayed together with sub messages as shown in FIG. 10, whichis needless to mention.

<Third Embodiment>

Now, a third embodiment, i.e., an embodiment for more simplifyingdisplaying of sub messages and setting a desired magnification moresurely and easily than in the first and the second embodiments, will bedescribed.

That is, in sub messages, optimal conditions for combinations of usableoriginal sizes and usable paper sizes are displayed. Hence, the largerthe number of the originals and the papers which are usable, the largerthe number of the combinations, which requires wide visual confirmationand causes a mistake. To deal with this, in the case that an originalsize is set in advance, a usable paper size of a magnification for theoriginal is specified and displayed. In this manner, the contents of asub message are specified, whereby the magnification is set easilywithout fail.

Further, in the case that not only an original size is specified, i.e.,set, but also a paper size is selected, it is possible to specify anoriginal size, in particular, corresponding to a fixed magnification. Inaddition, a paper which can be fed only has to be specified, even thougha paper size is not specified, to specify an original size whichcorresponds to that size.

<Case Where Original Size Is Set>

First, a case where an original size for copying is specified will bedescribed. The following cases are considered as the case where anoriginal size is specified. A case where an original size of an originalwhich is mounted on the original seater is automatically sensed by adetection sensor and the original size is recognized upon each sensing.A case where an operator knows an original size and inputs the originalsize by a ten-key 108. Moreover, since an original is mounted in advancein the RDH or the like, automatic detection of the size of the mountedoriginal by the detection sensor is known. A case where the detectedsize is automatically set as an original size is also included.

An automatic sensing apparatus for sensing the size of an original whichis mounted on the original seater 21 has been already known prior to theapplication of the invention, and those introduced in official gazetteswhich describe a known technique and those which are in public use willnot be described here. Further, as described earlier, in the RDH 22 orADF for automatically transporting an original, the size of an originalwhich is mounted on the original tray 22 a or the like is automaticallydetected in advance.

Once an original size for copying is specified and set in the mannerdescribed above, a sub message is displayed which corresponds to thedetected original size as shown in FIG. 15. For instance, when theoriginal size is set as A4, as the initial value of 100% is zoomed up bymeans of the zoom up key 103, a sub message regarding the initial fixedmagnification of 115% is not displayed but a sub message is displayedwhen the fixed magnification of 122% is reached. This sub messageindicates a combination of an optimal paper size which can used forcopying with the original size of A4 at the fixed magnification of 122%,i.e., “A4→B4.”

Further, as the zoom up key 103 is further continuously operated, whenthe fixed magnification of 141% is reached, a sub message is displayedwhich indicates a combination of “A4→A3.” With the original size of A4,when the zoom down key 104 is operated, a sub message for the fixedmagnification of 81%, in particular, is not displayed. For the fixedmagnification of 86%, “A4→B5” is displayed as a sub message, while“A4→A5” is displayed as a sub message for the fixed magnification of70%.

The foregoing has described that by means of operating the zoom up key103 or the zoom down key 104, sub messages are displayed in accordancewith the fixed magnifications. However, this is to display sub messagestogether with fixed magnifications with ±5% as in the first embodiment.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the various fixedmagnifications of the zoom up or down direction may be displayedtogether with sub messages all at once. In this case, with the initialvalue of 100%, in response to an operation of the zoom up key 103,together with the fixed magnifications of 122% and 141%, in accordancewith these fixed magnifications, sub messages “A4→B4” and “A4→A3” aredisplayed all at once. On the other hand, in response to an operation ofthe zoom down key 104, with the initial value of 100%, together with thefixed magnifications of 86% and 70%, in accordance with these fixedmagnifications, sub messages “A4→B5” and “A4→A5” are displayed all atonce.

In this manner, by displaying the fixed magnifications and the submessages in accordance with the set original size, a desiredmagnification can be easily recognized and set. Since a paper sizeallowing copying with the set original size is specified, even thoughunderstanding of a desired magnification fails, the desiredmagnification can be easily recognized by referring to the displayed submessages. In this case, the displayed sub messages serve as minimumnecessary information which permits easy recognition.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a display in the case of B5, not only A4, asthe set original size. In short, when the set original size is B5, fixedmagnifications are 115% and 141% in the zoom up direction as shown inthe drawing but 81% is the only fixed magnification in the zoom downdirection as shown in FIG. 6. As the original size is set in thismanner, a paper size is specified. Therefore, a sub messagecorresponding to fixed magnifications from an original size to aplurality of paper sizes, which is automatically selected from submessages including all combinations of a plurality of original sizes anda plurality of paper sizes, is displayed. Accordingly the operatoreasily grasp a desired magnification.

Since the set original size (or image size) is fed to the CPU 143 of theoperation panel control portion 128 from the main CPU 124, on the CPU143 side, a combination for a sub message can be specified as describedearlier.

The set original size is displayed as shown in FIG. 10, so that theselected paper size (A4) can be compared with a paper size which iscombined with the original size which is displayed in the sub message,thereby making it even easier to select a paper size and set themagnification.

<Case Where Paper Size Is Set>

The foregoing has described displaying of fixed magnifications andcorresponding sub messages in a condition where an original size is setand zooming up or down is performed. In a similar manner, it is possibleto provide a narrowed-down display with a fixed magnification and apaper size narrowed down, in accordance with a paper size which is set.

Setting of a paper size is manually inputting a desired paper sizethrough the ten-key 108 by an operator. That is, an operator selects adesired paper size. In accordance with a paper size which is selected, asub message showing this paper size and a corresponding original sizeunder an optimal condition is displayed together with a fixedmagnification.

A paper size is selected by means of the paper selection key 114 of theoperation panel 101 which is shown in FIG. 2. In short, by operating thepaper selection key 114, one of the paper feed cassettes in the paperfeed unit 4 is selected, and papers inside the paper feed cassette arefed. At this stage, the paper size of the papers contained (set) in thepaper feed cassette is detected by known size detection means, and thepaper size is displayed in a specified area on the LCD 102 uponselection of the paper feed cassette.

FIG. 15 shows an example where the paper size is selected in the mannerabove, with reference to which a detailed description will be given.First, when an operator selects A4 as a paper size for forming an image,with the initial magnification of 100%, the zoom up key 103 is operated.

In response to this, the magnification is zoomed up by 1% each time, as101% . . . 115%. As the magnification increases, when the fixedmagnification of 115% is reached, a sub message “B5→A4” is displayedwith the fixed magnification. As the zoom up key 103 is furthercontinuously operated, since the next fixed magnification of 122% is adifferent magnification condition which is different from the desiredpaper size of B5, a sub message is not displayed. When the fixedmagnification of 141% is reached, a sub message “A5→A4” is displayedwith the fixed magnification.

The paper size is selected in this manner. In the case of A4, forinstance, a sub message for the fixed magnification of 122% is notdisplayed.

Conversely to such zooming up, in the zoom down direction, as can beseen in FIG. 6, a sub message for the fixed magnification of 86% is notdisplayed but a sub message “B4→A4” for the fixed magnification of 81%and a sub message “A3→A4” for the fixed magnification of 70% aredisplayed.

Regarding a case where the selected paper size is B4, as shown in FIG.16, in the zoom up direction, sub messages “A4→B4” and “B5→B4”corresponding to the fixed magnifications of 122% and 141% aredisplayed. Further, in the zoom down direction, in the example of thedisplayed fixed magnifications and sub messages in FIG. 6, only “A3→B4”for the fixed magnification of 86% is displayed.

In this case, in the first embodiment, similarly to setting of anoriginal size, in ±5% around the fixed magnifications, the fixedmagnifications and corresponding sub messages are displayed.

Meanwhile, in the second embodiment, after an operation of the key 103or 104 in the zoom up or down direction is confirmed, sub messages aredisplayed which are combinations of fixed magnifications and originalsizes under optimal conditions for a globally selected paper size. Forinstance, when A4 is selected as a paper size and the initialmagnification is 100%, together with the fixed magnifications of 115%and 141%, sub messages “B5→A4” and “A5→A4” corresponding to these fixedmagnifications are displayed together in accordance with the fixedmagnifications. In the zoom down direction, together with the fixedmagnifications of 81% and 70%, sub messages “B4→A4” and “A3→A4”corresponding to these fixed magnifications are displayed together.

In the case where an image size is set and the paper size is selected inthis manner as well, the fixed magnifications and the original sizes arenarrowed down, so that a desired magnification can be more easilyrecognized. Hence, an operator can easily set not only the desired fixedmagnification but also an optional magnification.

During selection of the paper size, when papers of the size which isselected by an operator are not set to the copying machine main unit 1,displaying of fixed magnifications and sub messages may be in vain. Thatis, when papers of a selected size are not set to the copying machine 1,the copying machine 1 can not automatically select and feed those papersso that copying is impossible. Hence, displaying described above isperformed in a condition where those papers are selected after theexistence of those papers of the selected size is confirmed.

To this end as well, the paper sizes which are set to the paper feedportions are sequentially detected as conventionally known, and thedetected paper size is transferred to the main CPU 124. The main CPU 124thereafter grasps the paper size which is set and selectively drives thepaper feed cassette of the paper feed unit which agrees with theselected paper size based on an instruction for feeding papers. Hence,the papers of the selected size are not set, that condition is reportedto an operator in order to encourage the operator to set desired papers.For this purpose, an operation of the copying machine 1 is stopped untilthe papers of the selected size are set.

Hence, when the operator sets the papers of the selected size, suchdisplaying as above is performed, so that an operation of setting amagnification during such displaying is simplified. With respect topapers of the paper feed portion which is set, the existence of thesepapers is detected. When there are no papers as well, a message askingto supply papers of that size is reported to the operator. Thus, whenthere are not papers of a selected size, that condition is fed to theoperation panel control portion 128, and the CPU 143 provides a displaywhich requests the operator to supply or set papers. In the case thatthe operator proceeds to set a magnification without complying with therequest, a sub message or the like as that described in relation to thefirst or the second embodiment may be given regardless of selectedpapers.

<Case Where Feedable Papers Are Not Specified>

On the other hand, even when an operator, without selecting a papersize, looks at a combination of an original size which corresponds to apaper size of feedable papers which are set to the copying machine 1 andfixed magnifications, a magnification can be set easily. In short, thecopy machine 1, particularly the main CPU 124, has paper size detectionmeans (not shown) detect the paper size of papers which are set to eachpaper feed unit as described above, receives a size signal and graspspapers of which size are feedable from a paper feeder cassette of thepaper feed unit.

In this case, regarding a paper feed portion which corresponds to eachpaper feeder cassette of the paper feed unit 4, the main CPU 124 knowsnot only the paper size of papers which are feedable from the paper feedportion but also a condition of a paper feed portion which can not feedpapers because of a malfunction of paper feed rollers, a jammed paper,etc. A condition that paper feed is impossible includes a condition thatfeeding of papers is impossible with papers not set in a paper feedcassette as described above, in addition to a trouble due to a paperfeed error at a paper feed portion and the like.

Hence, the paper size of feedable papers is transferred from the mainCPU 124 to the operation panel control portion 128 so that combinationsor the like of original sizes and fixed magnifications are displayed.This example is shown in FIG. 17.

In FIG. 17, it is assumed that the paper sizes of feedable papers are A4and A3, for example. With the initial magnification of 100%, as the zoomup key 103 is operated, the magnification is zoomed up by 1% each time,as 101%, 102%, . . . When the fixed magnification of 115% is reached,combinations of original sizes which are appropriate to the paper sizewith this fixed magnification are displayed as sub messages. In thisexample of the display, “B5→A4” and “B4→A3” are the sub messages. As thezoom up key 103 is further operated, the magnification is furthergradually zoomed up. When the next fixed magnification of 122% isreached, since there is no fixed original size which is appropriate tothe paper sizes of feedable papers are A3 and A4, fixed magnificationsnor sub messages are displayed.

When the fixed magnification of 141% is reached, combinations or thepaper sizes of A3, A4 and the original sizes A4, A5 which areappropriate to the fixed magnifications, i.e., “A5→A4” and “A4→A3” aredisplayed as sub messages.

Meanwhile, in the case where the paper sizes of feedable papers are A4and B5, in a similar manner, upon arrival at the magnification of 115%,in accordance with a fixed magnification at that time, a combination ofthe original size B5 and the paper size A4, i.e., a sub message “B5→A4”is displayed. When the next fixed magnification of 122% is reached, acombination of the original size A5 and the paper size B5, i.e., a submessage “A5→B5” is displayed. Upon arrival at the magnification of 141%,a combination of the original size A5 and the paper size A5, i.e., a submessage “A5→A4” is displayed.

Although not shown, in the zoom down direction staring from the initialmagnification of 100%, in a similar manner to above, in the case wherethe paper sizes of feedable papers are A4 and A3, since fixedmagnifications are 81% and 70% as can be seen in FIG. 6, sub messagesincluding combinations “B4→A4” and “A3→A4” are displayed in accordancewith these fixed magnifications. Meanwhile, in the case where the papersizes of feedable papers are A4 and B5, as can be seen in FIG. 6, a submessage “A4→B5” is displayed for the fixed magnification of 86%, a submessage “B4→A4” is displayed for the fixed magnification of 81%, and submessages of combinations of “B4→B5” and “A3→A4” are displayed for thefixed magnification of 70%.

According to the first embodiment, sub messages of combinations oforiginal and paper sizes are displayed with fixed magnifications in therange of ±5%. According to the second embodiment, sub messages whichreadily correspond to the various fixed magnifications of the zoom up ordown direction are displayed all at once.

When sub messages are displayed all at once which are combinations offixed magnifications and paper sizes as described above as the thirdembodiment, erasing of fixed magnifications which are passed in the zoomup or down direction may be combined with distinguishing of the nextfixed magnification and the other fixed magnifications. This furthernarrows down combinations for sub messages, and hence, makes setting ofa magnification even more accurate and easy.

<Change In Magnification Shift Cycle>

Now, as described in relation to the first embodiment, during setting ofa magnification and zooming up or down, when the magnification ischanged very quickly, a mistake may occur during setting of themagnification. A description will be given on an actual example forslowing down shifting of the magnification in the vicinity of fixedmagnifications to deal with this.

In this case, a shifting of the magnification is slowed down in thevicinity of a fixed magnification, it is possible to accurately set themagnification. On the other hand, since a change in the magnificationbecomes slow around when the magnification passes a fixed magnification,an operation time for setting the magnification becomes longer.Therefore, in the vicinity of fixed magnifications, during an operationof the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104, only when themagnification is in the process of passing a fixed magnification, achange in the magnification is quickened rather than slowing down, andas the magnification becomes close to the next fixed magnification, achange in the magnification is slowed down again. This shortens a timewhich is necessary for setting a magnification as much as possible.

FIG. 18 shows an example where an operation of the zoom up key 103, forinstance, is released (OFF) once during shifting around the fixedmagnification of 122% but is resumed to set a desired magnification.This is an example where the magnification is changed every 100 msec. Inthe vicinity of the fixed magnification of 122%, the magnification ischanged every 200 msec.

For instance, when an operation of the zoom up key 103 is released witha magnification of 123% but is resumed at this magnification, in normalcases, since the magnification is in the vicinity of the fixedmagnification of 122%, the magnification is changed every 200 msec. Whenthe zoom up key 103 is operated with the magnification already passedthe fixed magnification of 122%, the magnification is changed every 100msec rather than every 200 msec which corresponds to this fixedmagnification.

The operation of the zoom up key 103 is continued, and when themagnification becomes close to the next fixed magnification of 141%, themagnification is changed every 200 msec. For instance, the cycle ofshifting from a magnification of 136% is slowed down, switching from 100msec to 200 msec. This shortens a time which is necessary for setting adesired magnification since the change in the magnification is notslowed down in the vicinity of the fixed magnifications which werepassed during zooming up.

Thus, a change in the magnification is slowed down as the magnificationbecomes close to fixed magnifications so as to simplify setting of themagnification as described earlier. Slowing down a change in themagnification as the magnification becomes close to fixed magnificationsin this manner creates a great effect in the second embodiment wherefixed magnifications are displayed all at once. In FIG. 18, in the casethat the operation of the zoom up key 103 is released with amagnification of 123% once but is resumed, for setting the magnificationnear 123%, the zoom up key 103 in intermittently operated. That is, toset to 125%, when the zoom up key 103 is intermittently operated twice,a desired magnification is set in a short period of time without anyproblem.

Further, when there are fixed magnifications which are very frequentlyused, a change in the magnification may be further slowed down in thevicinity of the fixed magnifications which are very frequently used. Forinstance, when the fixed magnification of 122% is very frequently used,while the magnification is changed normally every 200 msec in thevicinity of the fixed magnifications, the magnification is set to changeevery 400 msec. Magnifications which are very frequently used are notlimited to fixed magnifications but may be optional magnifications.

FIG. 19 shows a control flow in the operation panel control portion 128.When the zoom up key 103 is operated, in accordance with the countcontents of the magnification counter, whether the frequency of use ofthe indicated magnification is high is confirmed at S42. Prior to this,an operation condition of the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104is sensed at S40, the contents of the magnification counter areincremented or decremented by “1” at step S41. In the case that thefrequency of use of the magnification which is counted by themagnification counter M being high is confirmed at S42, as a time everywhich the magnification changes, 400 msec is set to the timer T (S43).In the case that the frequency is not high, whether the magnificationcounter has the contents in the vicinity of the fixed magnifications isconfirmed (S44). When the magnification count is in the vicinity of thefixed magnifications, the time every which the magnification changes isset 200 msec (S45). When the magnification count is confirmed not to bein the vicinity of the fixed magnifications, the time every which themagnification changes is set 100 msec (S46).

FIG. 20 shows a changing condition of a display which is displayed bythe LCD 102 in the control flow as described above. In the drawing, amagnification having a very high frequency of use is shown as the fixedmagnification of 122%. With the initial magnification of 100%, as thezoom up key 103 is operated, the magnification is shifted as 101%, 102%. . . During the process, since the magnification is not fixedmagnifications or magnifications having a high frequency of use, themagnification shifts at a cycle of 100 msec. In the vicinity of thefirst fixed magnification of 115%, the magnification shifts at a cycleof 200 msec. Once the magnification passes 115% and reaches 116%, themagnification thereafter shifts at a cycle of 100 msec. As themagnification becomes close to 122%, the magnification shifts at a cycleof 400 msec. Once the magnification reaches 123%, the magnificationshifts at a cycle of 100 msec.

In this manner, since the magnification shifts slower in the vicinity ofa magnification having a high frequency of use, particularly in theprecedent condition alone, it is possible to set a magnification havinga high frequency of use easily and to set a magnification around such amagnification easily.

Regarding whether the frequency of use is high, when the respectivemagnifications are set, the number of copying with the set magnificationis counted and the frequency of use is judged as high in the case thatthe count exceeds “100.”

To this end, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the print switch is operated(S47→S48) at a magnification which is set, the counter corresponding tothe magnification is incremented by “1” (S49). That is, every time theprint switch is operated, the contents of the counters which aredisposed in correspondence to the respective magnifications aregradually counted up. With the content exceeding a predetermined count,the content of the counter corresponding to the magnification which isset at the step S42 of FIG. 19A is checked, and the frequency of use isjudged as high in the case that the content exceeds the predeterminedcount.

When a magnification having a high frequency of use is limited to afixed magnification, counters which are disposed in correspondence tothe respective magnifications may be disposed. To confirm a conditionthat an optional magnification has a high frequency of use, according tothis embodiment, for instance, counters corresponding to the respectivemagnifications between 64% and 141% are provided.

A predetermined value, i.e., a counter of a counter, for judging thefrequency of use only has to be optionally set. A user may registermagnifications having high frequencies of use in advance and whether aset magnification is a registered magnification which is registered inthis manner may be judged at the step S42 and used as a magnificationhaving a high frequency of use. These registered magnifications are notlimited to fixed magnifications but may be optionally set, and anoptional number of registered magnifications may be set. While FIG. 19Ashow fixed magnifications as magnifications which have higherfrequencies of use than optional magnifications except for themagnifications having high frequencies of use described above, the fixedmagnifications are not limited to this. Such magnifications which havethe next level of higher frequencies of use can be appropriatelydetermined by a user.

While the condition that the magnification is still changing when set asdescribed above is not limited to the first embodiment, but rather, canbe implemented in the second embodiment as well. In short, when a setmagnification reaches a fixed magnification or a magnification having ahigh frequency of use, shifting of the magnification is merely changed.

<Fourth Embodiment>

Now, other embodiment for setting a magnification by zooming up or downwill be described in the following. In this embodiment, setting isperformed while primarily referring to a fixed magnification. Moreprecisely, when the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 isoperated, as a desired magnification is passed, a reverse zoom key mustbe operated. In this case, when the operation of the zoom key isreleased within a predetermined period of time since a fixedmagnification is displayed, the display is automatically returned to thefixed magnification.

That is, when the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is operatedto thereby perform zooming up or down successively, as a desiredmagnification is passed, the display is returned to the fixedmagnification which is passed so that setting of a fixed magnificationis simplified.

As herein termed, being successive refers to a condition where operatinga key once shifts a magnification by 2% or more. A key operation whichchanges a magnification by 1% at a time is not referred to as beingsuccessive, to permit setting of a magnification in the unit of 1%.

First, when an operation of the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104is confirmed, the control flow shown in FIG. 7 or 8 is carried out,whereby from an initial magnification, e.g., 100%, the magnificationcounter M is counted up or down by “1” each time. Describing inaccordance with the control flow shown in FIG. 7 for simplicity ofdescription, in a condition that the zoom up key 103 is operated, thiskey operation is detected (S0) and confirmed (S1), the magnificationcounter M is thereafter counted up by “1” (S5), and the content of themagnification counter M is transferred to the operation panel controlportion 128. Before returning to the step S1, whether the zoom up key103 is continuously operated is checked (S0). In the case where checkingperformed here finds that the operation of the zoom up key 103 isreleased (OFF), the magnification is changed by 1%. This processing willbe described later.

On the other hand, when the zoom up key 103 is continuously operated,the magnification counter M is counted up by “1” once again. This isprocessed as a successive key operation. On the operation panel controlportion 128 side, the magnification is displayed through the LCD 102 asshown in FIG. 1.

When the magnification becomes close to the first fixed magnification of115% which is near 100%, e.g., enters the range of ±5%, a sub message isdisplayed together with this fixed magnification as described inrelation to the first embodiment. In this condition, with the fixedmagnification of 115% displayed, during the process of setting amagnification, the magnification passes 115%, and when 120% is reached,the zoom up key 103 is released. At this stage, releasing pressing downof the zoom up key 103 within a predetermined period of time,particularly in a time which is necessary until the magnification passesby about +5%, returns the display to the fixed magnification of 115%. Inthis case, the magnification counter M as well is changed to the contentexpressing the fixed magnification of 115%.

This is to return to the condition of a fixed magnification which ispassed when the zoom up key 103 is in a condition to successively changefor the purpose of setting the magnification. However, as describedabove, when the key operation is released after performing conversion,e.g., zooming up of 1% by means of the zoom up key 103, a changingcondition to change by 1% is maintained.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a display which is shifted during setting ofa magnification described above. Referring to this example, the detailsof this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 21, the initialmagnification is 100% but the magnification is shifted by 1% each timeas 101%, 102% . . . and as the zoom up key 103 is operated. In thevicinity of the fixed magnification of 115% which first appears in thezoom up direction, a sub message and the fixed magnification of 115% aredisplayed together. As the magnification changes to 120%, when a factthat the desired magnification of 115% is passed, the operation of thezoom up key 103 is released (OFF). At this stage, regarding thatsuccessive changing is performed by means of the zoom up key 103, thedisplay is returned to the immediately precedent magnification of 115%which is prior to the condition of 120%.

Hence, during the process in which an operator successively changes themagnification, even though setting of a desired magnification is passed,when the operator notices this and releases the operation within apredetermined period of time, particularly in a time which is needed forchange the magnification by around 5% of a fixed magnification, it ispossible to return to the desired fixed magnification. This furthersimplifies setting of a fixed magnification.

When the desired magnification is not a fixed magnification but is amagnification close to a fixed magnification, such as 118%, afterreturning to the fixed magnification of 115% above, the zoom up key 103is operated intermittently by 1% to set an optional magnification whichis not a fixed magnification in an easy manner. The intermittentoperation here is to operate the zoom up key 103 and thereafter release(OFF) the operation of the zoom up key 103 upon zooming up by 1% in arepeated manner. Hence, operating the zoom up key 103 intermittentlythree times (repeating ON/OFF three times) easily sets the magnificationof 118%.

In the embodiment above, setting of a fixed magnification is even simperand very easy. It is possible to set an optional magnification easily byintermittently operating the zoom up key 103 or the like.

Although the respective embodiments above are related to setting of amagnification within the copying machine as that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,application to a printer rather than such a copying machine is similarlypossible. That is, to print image data which are sent to a printer on apaper at an optional magnification, it is necessary to set the optionalmagnification in advance. For setting of such a magnification, settingof a magnification described above is readily used. For instance, whenthe size of image data is a fixed size as that shown in FIG. 6, a submessage which corresponds to a paper size which is in accordance withthis size is displayed so that petting of a magnification is performedbased on the display.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnification setting apparatus of an imageforming apparatus in which a plurality of fixed magnifications at whicha plurality of predetermined image sizes are enlarged or reduced into aplurality of sizes of recording mediums are predetermined and whichforms an image on a recording medium at the predeterminedmagnifications, the magnification setting apparatus comprising: a zoomkey for setting a magnification by shifting by a predetermined unit; amagnification counter for serially counting the magnification inaccordance with an operation of the zoom key; a display portion fordisplaying a magnification which is a count content of the magnificationcounter; judging means for judging whether the count content of themagnification counter corresponds to a predetermined fixedmagnification; and display control means for displaying, together withthe predetermined fixed magnification, sub messages which indicatecombination of paper sizes which correspond to the predetermined fixedmagnification, when the judging means judges that the magnificationshown by the magnification counter corresponds to the predeterminedfixed magnification, wherein the judging means judges a time when thecontent of the magnification counter reaches a value which is close tothe predetermined fixed magnification.
 2. The magnification settingapparatus of an image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein themagnification counter includes a controller for elongating a cycle ofcounting a magnification by the zoom key when the magnification which isset by operating the zoom key arrives at a fixed magnification or at amagnification close thereto.
 3. A magnification setting apparatus of animage forming apparatus in which a plurality of fixed magnifications atwhich a plurality of predetermined image sizes are enlarged or reducedinto a plurality of sizes of recording mediums are predetermined andwhich forms an image on a recording medium at the predeterminedmagnifications, the magnification setting apparatus comprising: a zoomkey for setting a magnification by shifting by a predetermined unit; amagnification counter for serially counting the magnification inaccordance with an operation of the zoom key; a display portion fordisplaying a count content of the magnification counter; and displaycontrol means for displaying sub messages which indicate combinations ofpaper sizes corresponding to each predetermined fixed magnification atonce together with the predetermined fixed magnifications, when the zoomkey is operated, wherein the magnification counter includes a controllerfor elongating a cycle of counting a magnification by the zoom key whenthe magnification which is set by operating the zoom key arrives at afixed magnification or at a magnification close thereto.
 4. Amagnification setting apparatus of an image forming apparatus of claim3, wherein the display control means includes judging means for judgingin which one of a magnification zooming up direction and a magnificationzooming down direction the zoom key is operated, and allows variouspredetermined fixed magnifications in the zooming up direction or thezooming down direction to be displayed.
 5. A magnification settingapparatus of an image forming apparatus of claim 4, wherein when themagnification which is set by operating the zoom key has exceeded afixed magnification, (a) a display of the exceeded fixed magnificationis deleted, or (b) fixed magnifications to which a magnification set byoperating the zoom key will be sequentially set, and the remaining fixedmagnifications are displayed distinguishably from each other.
 6. Amagnification setting apparatus of an image forming apparatus of claim1, 3 or 4, the magnification setting apparatus further comprising: imagesize setting means for setting one image size among a plurality of imagesizes, wherein, when the changing count content arrives at a fixedmagnification of the magnification counter from an image size set by theimage size setting means to a paper size, the display control meansallows a sub message which indicates a combination of an image size anda paper size corresponding to the fixed magnification, to be displayed.7. The magnification setting apparatus of an image forming apparatus ofclaim 1, 3 or 4, the magnification setting apparatus further comprising:image size setting means for setting one image size among a plurality ofimage sizes; and paper size selection means for selecting a plurality ofpaper sizes, wherein when the changing count content arrives at a fixedmagnification at which enlargement or reduction form an image size setby the image size setting means to a paper size selected by the papersize selection means is carried out, the display control means allows asub message which indicates combinations of image sizes and paper sizescorresponding to the fixed magnification, to be displayed.
 8. Amagnification setting apparatus of an image forming apparatus in which aplurality of fixed magnifications at which a plurality of predeterminedimage sizes are enlarged or reduced into a plurality of sizes ofrecording mediums are predetermined and which forms an image on arecording medium at the predetermined magnifications, the magnificationsetting apparatus comprising: a zoom key for setting a magnification byshifting by a predetermined unit; a magnification counter for seriallycounting the magnification in accordance with an operation of the zoomkey; a display portion for displaying a count content of themagnification counter; judging means for judging whether the countcontent of the magnification counter corresponds to a predeterminedfixed magnification; and display control means for displaying a submessage which indicates combinations of paper sizes corresponding to thepredetermined fixed magnification, together with the fixed magnificationin the display portion, and as well for returning contents of display toones for a precedent fixed magnification upon release of an operation ofthe zoom key within a predetermined period since arrival of the setmagnification at the predetermined fixed magnification, when the judgingmeans judges that the content of the set magnification of themagnification counter corresponds to the predetermined fixedmagnification.
 9. The magnification setting apparatus of an imageforming apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the zoom key is operated anda magnification is successively shifted by the predetermined unit, thedisplay control means returns contents of display to ones for animmediately precedent fixed magnification, and when the magnification isintermittently shifted by the predetermined unit by means of the zoomkey, the display control means maintains the condition of the setmagnification without returning to the predetermined fixedmagnification.
 10. The magnification setting apparatus of an imageforming apparatus in which a plurality of fixed magnifications at whicha plurality of predetermined image sizes are enlarged or reduced into aplurality of sizes of recording mediums are predetermined and whichforms an image on a recording medium at the predeterminedmagnifications, the magnification setting apparatus comprising: a zoomkey for setting a magnification by shifting by a predetermined unit; amagnification counter for serially counting the magnification inaccordance with an operation of the zoom key; a display portion fordisplaying a count content of the magnification counter; and displaycontrol means for displaying sub messages which indicate combinations ofpaper sizes corresponding to each predetermined fixed magnification atonce together with the predetermined fixed magnifications, when the zoomkey is operated, wherein the display control means includes judgingmeans for judging in which one of a magnification zooming up directionand a magnification zooming down direction the zoom key is operated, anddisplays various predetermined fixed magnifications in accordance withthe zooming up direction or the zooming down direction judged by thejudging means.
 11. A magnification setting apparatus of an image formingapparatus in which a plurality of fixed magnifications at which aplurality of predetermined image sizes are enlarged or reduced into aplurality of sizes of recording mediums are predetermined and whichforms an image on a recording medium at the predeterminedmagnifications, the magnification setting apparatus comprising: a zoomkey for setting a magnification by shifting by a predetermined unit; amagnification counter for serially counting the magnification inaccordance with an operation of the zoom key; a display portion fordisplaying a magnification which is a count content of the magnificationcounter; judging means for judging whether the count content of themagnification counter corresponds to a predetermined fixedmagnification; and display control means for displaying, together withthe predetermined fixed magnification, sub messages which indicatecombination of paper sized which correspond to the predetermined fixedmagnification, when the judging means judges that the magnificationshown by the magnification counter corresponds to the predeterminedfixed magnification, wherein the magnification counter includes acontroller for elongating a cycle of counting a magnification by thezoom key when the magnification which is set by operating the zoom keyarrives at a fixed magnification or at a magnification close thereto.12. A magnification setting apparatus for an image forming apparatus inwhich a plurality of predetermined fixed magnifications at which aplurality of predetermined image sizes of originals are enlarged orreduced into a plurality of sizes of recording mediums are predeterminedand which forms an image on a recording medium at the predeterminedmagnifications, the magnification setting apparatus comprising: a zoomkey for setting a magnification by increasing or decreasing by apredetermined unit; a display portion for displaying a magnification setby the zoom key; judging means for judging whether the zoom key isoperated in either a magnification zooming up direction or amagnification zooming down direction; and display control means,responsive to an output from the judging means, for controlling thedisplay portion to display a message meaning equal magnification in thedisplay portion, when the magnification is set at 100 % by operating thezoom key, and to display sub messages that indicate combinations ofpaper sizes corresponding to each predetermined fixed magnification inthe zooming up direction simultaneously with the predetermined fixedmagnifications, when the magnification is increased by operating thezoom key in the zooming up direction relative to the magnification by100 %.
 13. The magnification setting apparatus of claim 12, wherein thedisplay control means, responsive to an output from the judging means,controls the display portion to display sub messages that indicatecombinations of paper sizes corresponding to each predetermined fixedmagnification in the zooming down direction simultaneously with thepredetermined fixed magnifications, when the magnification is decreasedby operating the zoom key in the zooming down direction relative to themagnification of 100%.
 14. The magnification setting apparatus of claims12 or 13, wherein, when the magnification is set to 100% by operatingthe zoom key, the display control means controls the display portion sothat all of the predetermined fixed magnifications and sub messages thatare being simultaneously displayed are erased, and so that the messagemeaning equal magnification is displayed.
 15. The magnification settingapparatus of claims 12 or 13, wherein, when the magnificationcorresponds to one of the predetermined fixed magnifications byoperating the zoom key, the display control means controls the displayportion so as to distinguish the corresponding predetermined fixedmagnification from the other fixed magnifications.
 16. The magnificationsetting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the display control meanscontrols the display portion so as to distinguish the correspondingpredetermined fixed magnification from the other fixed magnifications bya reversed color or by changing a color.
 17. The magnification settingapparatus of claim 12, wherein the zoom key further includes a zoomingdown key and a zooming up key, and wherein the judging means judgeswhether the zooming down key or zooming up key is operated.
 18. Amagnification setting apparatus for an image forming apparatus in whicha plurality of predetermined fixed magnifications at which a pluralityof predetermined image sizes of originals are enlarged or reduced into aplurality of sizes of recording mediums are predetermined and whichforms an image on a recording medium at the predeterminedmagnifications, the magnification setting apparatus comprising: a zoomkey for setting a magnification by increasing or decreasing by apredetermined unit; a display portion for displaying a magnification setby the zoom key; judging means for judging whether the zoom key isoperated in either a magnification zooming up direction or amagnification zooming down direction; and display control means,responsive to an output from the judging means, for controlling thedisplay portion to display a message meaning equal magnification in thedisplay portion, when the magnification is set at 100 % by operating thezoom key, and to display sub messages that indicate combinations ofpaper sizes corresponding to each predetermined fixed magnification inthe zooming down direction simultaneously with the predetermined fixedmagnifications, when the magnification is decreased by operating thezoom key in the zooming down direction relative to the magnification of100 %.